Harborlites Dances Away with the 2005 SAI Championship
Reprint from Masters of Harmony Newsletter, November 7, 2004
I would never admit to being at a loss for words about anything, but finding superlatives for the Sweet Adelines Convention last week in Indianapolis severely taxes me. New quartet champion The Buzz, composed entirely of former gold medalists (including Debbie Connelly, Joe's wife), was clearly superior to everyone (53 competitors) except Brava, the 2004 winner. The Melodeers from Northbrook, 2004 chorus champion, did a crowd-pleasing swan song set. And Channelaire from Camarillo, with devoted groupies Don Kileen, Rick Veder, Bob Cathaway and Ed Sweatt in attendance, achieved their goal of making it into the chorus finals (out of 32) and, in my not-so-humble opinion, set themselves apart with marvelous singing, much better than their tenth-place finish would indicate.
The newspapers counted 12,000 conventioneers, plus 1,800 more watching the webcast. Many of the big names in barbershop and the Masters of Harmony were there, from Joe Liles and Drs. Greg Lyne and David Wright to Ken Custer, Sean Devine, Marlin Fors, Garry Texeira, Jeff Baker, Rob Menaker, Scott Hansen, Bryan Sandberg, Glenn Hennessy and Dave Briner.
What my wife Dee and I came to hear, however, was our sister chorus and once and future riser mates at Christmas, the Harborlites Chorus from Anaheim, under the direction of the Masters' incomparable soloist and steadfast supporter, Pam Pieson. We think we have a tough competition? Imagine having to hone six songs and choreography to perfection, and competing in a semifinal round. The women are graded in music, sound, expression and showmanship, and can get bonus points for their total entertainment package.
Harborlites rehearsals were typical of their focus and commitment, when they did physical warm-ups as well as vocal, and the pent-up energy was palpable — like boxed lightning (or possibly caged Hale). On one occasion the chorus was joined for their aerobics, to general hilarity, by Messrs. Briner, Texeira and Sandberg. Arranger Dave, coach Jeff Baker, costumer extraordinaire Gerry Papageorge and our own choreographer Erin Howden were singled out for special thanks on the Jumbotrons throughout the week. Jeff was like a phone booth (the classic illustration of the word "ubiquitous"), beating the drum at every rehearsal and even flagging the chorus on stage from the audience front row, holding up the lime green teddy bear that became the 'Lites' mascot and major inspiration.
Eschewing gimmicks, skits and busy-ness that the eye couldnít follow, Harborlites presented two gorgeous, seamless packages of music, costumes and dynamite choreography that appeared unmatchable to my totally unbiased senses. We knew they were ahead after the semifinals (by 14 points we later found out), but they were given the dreaded pole position for the finals, number one in the order, which set off fingernail biting up to the elbows (mine anyway). Like Nightlife at Salt Lake City in 1996, however, Harborlites launched their final package and set the bar so high that no one else could come close, extending their lead to 135 points and yanking the audience to their feet for three ovations on four songs. Their ballad received the ultimate accolade — seconds-long silence — before the crash of applause. The women left nothing on the stage; their energy was unflagging, their sound lyrical, and the "curse of going first" was forever dispelled.
After that, it was a contest only for second place, with Skyline from Denver surprising the prognosticators and capturing silver, while five-time champion Gem City from Dayton placed third, Rˆnninge Show Chorus from Sweden got fourth, and defending 2001 champion San Diego finished fifth.
Director Jim Arns of the Melodeers was rumored to say that future aspirants will be following "the Harborlites formula," because the face of SAI contests has been altered. Like 2004 quartet champion Gotcha!, who taught us how compelling even Polecats can be, the Harborlites concentrated on presenting the music — and blew the socks off the competition. Indeed, Harborlites got the maximum bonus points and won handily in every category. (They also spent eighteen months preparing for this convention, knowing that championships are won by what you do before the contest.)
As the 119 new champions went back on stage to sing their acceptance with hugs all around, Pam Pieson gave an emotional "thank you" to the audience and judges, overcome by the moment. Then she turned to the chorus and began the dazzlingly rhythmic and portentous beginning of "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. When she faced the audience again for the initial solo, her clear, mellow soprano floated flawlessly over us. We knew she was back living in the music like the consummate performer she is. It was very special.
Needless to say but fun to watch, our daughter Tara was over the moon, along with Pam, Sally Briner, Sally Malinowski (Rob's sister), Patty Cobb Baker (Jeff's wife and president of the 'Lites), Kim Hansen (Scott's), Doreen Philbin (Brian's), Anna Bernhard (Greg's), Tracey Arrington Sandberg (Bryan's) and our Dawn Texeira (Garry's). Dee Thiesmeyer (mine) reached her own zenith, singing on the international stage with Tara in the Family Chorus.
David Wright and his wife Sandy attended the celebratory dinner after the competition, acknowledging "a small part" in the victory (he only arranged three of the chorus' winning songs), and said that Harborlites had distinguished themselves by their musicality. Masters, take note.
Curious things happened in Indianapolis. Some of SAI's great choruses were there, past multiple winners hungry to recapture the glory with experienced directors who have been both judges and Queens. They performed admirably, but fell short. So I asked my daughter, what is it that makes a champion? She turned down a corner of her costume to show me a small red and gold enamel pin Patty Baker had given her. It was a heart.
— Kirt Thiesmeyer for the Masters of Harmony Chorus
